Logan’s first dedicated LGBTQIASB+ organisation is celebrating Pride Month this June.
Open Doors Youth Service chief executive officer Rachel Hinds said her organisation was Queensland’s only dedicated Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and/or Gender Diverse, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Sistergirl and Brotherboy (LGBTQIASB+) youth service, supporting young people aged 12 to 24.
“Pride Month is important for LGBTQIASB+ young people because it creates visibility, belonging, safety, and hope in a world where many still experience discrimination, exclusion, and isolation,” Ms Hinds said.
“For many young people, especially those who are questioning their identity or who may not yet feel safe to be themselves, Pride can be the first time they see people like them celebrated rather than judged.
“It sends a powerful message that they are valid, valued, and not alone,” Ms Hinds said.
Open Doors will support Loud and Proud Logan events during Pride Month, including the Loud and Proud Pride March and Picnic at the Logan River Parklands at Eagleby on Saturday, 4 July.
Ms Hinds said Open Doors marked its second year at its Springwood base in April, giving people a safe space and a supportive community.
“The opening of the Logan Hub represents more than just a new location, it’s a promise, Ms Hinds said.
“A promise that every young person, regardless of postcode, deserves access to affirming mental health support, peer connection and a community that sees and celebrates them,” she said.
She said previously, people had to travel into the city to find members of the community.
“Since opening, our Logan Hub has quickly become a vibrant and essential space for LGBTQIASB+ young people in the region,” Ms Hinds said.
“In its first 6-months, the hub supported 180 young people, delivering more than 2000 occasions of service through counselling, case management, and psychosocial groups,” she said.
The service offers one-on-one support with trained and lived experience workers and counselling.
It also organises weekly social groups so queer and gender diverse young people can meet, share experiences and build community.
At Open Doors, 73% of staff identify as trans or gender diverse and 100% of staff identify with diverse sexualities, helping them relate to the young people that access its services.
The Springwood centre is the hub for Logan, with a full range of events and social groups offered, such as art therapy and drop in sessions.
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